Two dresses, ca. 1870s

The dress on the left is a three-piece purple velvet dress. The bodice is off-the-shoulder with pointed V in front with back closure and is boned and lined. The jacket was made from the original court train shortened in 1880 and has 3/4 length sleeves, round neck, peplum and front button closure. The skirt is gored with modified train and is lined. This was worn by Mrs. Hugh McCulloch at her presentation to Queen Victoria in 1871-1872.

The dress on the right is a two-piece gray faille wedding dress. It has a pointed bodice, net ruffle at collar, front closure, peplum and is boned and lined. Sleeves are full at bottom with ruffle and lace undersleeve. Skirt is full with slight train with bustle. Shirring down sides in front with three rows of pleats at the hem in front.

It was worn by Mary Bradford Smith (descendant of Gov. Bradford) and married to Albert Durer Lippitt in 1868.